Dave Cash – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Cash wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1980 after 12 seasons as one of the National League’s most dependable second basemen. The New York native built a steady career across four teams, picked up three All-Star nods, and played big roles on championship contenders throughout the 1970s.

Cash’s retirement closed out a run that included a World Series title with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971 and leadership of the Philadelphia Phillies as they rose to prominence in the mid-1970s.

People knew Cash for his consistency at the plate and his reliability in the field. He became a respected veteran who just seemed to “get it” when it came to winning at the highest level.

His journey started as a fifth-round draft pick in 1966. He worked his way up to become a key contributor on playoff teams, showing the kind of dedication and baseball smarts that defined his approach.

The second baseman knew how to get on base, and his steady glove made him a valuable asset everywhere he played.

Cash’s career stats and achievements really tell the story of a guy who squeezed every bit out of his talent and always put the team first. He learned behind Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski in his early days, and by his last season with the San Diego Padres, he’d lived the full baseball lifer experience.

Dave Cash: Early Life and Beginnings

Dave Cash was born on June 11, 1948, in Utica, New York. He grew up as the middle child of three brothers and shined in several sports at Proctor High School.

His baseball skills stood out—he batted over .400 in his last two high school seasons. That caught the eye of MLB scouts and led to his selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1966 amateur draft.

Family Background and Hometown

David Cash Jr. was born to David Cash Sr. and Florence Cash in Utica, New York. He grew up between two brothers—Herbert, the oldest, and Earl, the youngest.

The Cash family really supported Dave’s athletic pursuits. Growing up in Utica during the 1950s and 1960s, he found inspiration in baseball legends of the era.

He especially looked up to Jackie Robinson, and that admiration later nudged him toward baseball over other sports.

Utica gave young athletes plenty of chances to try different sports. Family encouragement and community support helped shape Cash’s athletic foundation in those early years.

High School Baseball Success

Cash attended Proctor High School in Utica and quickly became a standout in football, basketball, and baseball. He showed off some serious athletic versatility.

On the basketball court, he averaged 24 points per game, which caught the attention of Syracuse University recruiters. They showed interest in offering him a scholarship.

But Cash’s most impressive feats happened on the baseball field. He hit over .400 in both his junior and senior years. That kind of hitting made him one of the top high school baseball prospects in New York.

His consistent success at the plate in those final two high school seasons drew MLB scouts to take a closer look at his pro potential.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Cash in the fifth round of the June 1966 amateur draft straight out of high school. Syracuse University showed interest in his basketball skills, but their slow scholarship offer and his admiration for Jackie Robinson made him choose baseball.

Cash moved up quickly through the Pirates’ farm system. He started his pro career in 1966 with Salem in rookie ball, then advanced to Gastonia of the Western Carolinas League (Class A) in 1967.

His 1967 season with Gastonia really stood out. He led the league with 148 hits and posted a .335 average, fourth-best in the league. He also finished in the top 10 for runs, doubles, on-base percentage, total bases, and steals.

After a year with Salem (Class A) in 1968, Cash got an invite to the Pirates’ Florida Instructional League. In 1969, he played 115 games with the Columbus Jets (Triple-A), hit a team-best .291, and led the International League in triples. That earned him his first MLB call-up in September.

Major League Career Overview

Dave Cash enjoyed a 12-year MLB career from 1969 to 1980 and built a reputation as one of the most reliable second basemen of his era. He won a World Series with Pittsburgh in 1971, made three All-Star teams with Philadelphia, and later played for Montreal and San Diego before hanging up his spikes.

Pittsburgh Pirates Years

Cash started his big league journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates in September 1969. He made his debut on September 13, 1969, as a pinch-runner against the New York Mets at just 21.

During his rookie season, he played second base in Bob Moose’s no-hitter on September 20, 1969, at Shea Stadium. Cash handled five grounders and recorded the final out on a ground ball from Art Shamsky.

He initially competed with Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski for playing time. Eventually, Cash earned more chances and, by 1971, became the regular second baseman, helping the Pirates on their championship run.

Cash hit .289 in the 1971 regular season and .421 in the NLCS against San Francisco. He struggled in the World Series with a .133 average, but his defense stayed solid during the Pirates’ seven-game win over Baltimore.

Key Pittsburgh Statistics:

• 1971 World Series Champion
• Career-high .314 batting average in 1970
• Part of first all-Black starting lineup in MLB history (September 1, 1971)

Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Period

The Pirates traded Cash to Philadelphia for pitcher Ken Brett on October 18, 1973. That move changed his career and made a big impact on the Phillies.

Cash immediately became a leader in the Phillies’ clubhouse. He brought a winning mentality from Pittsburgh and helped spark the “Yes We Can” attitude that energized the team.

His 1975 season was a highlight. Cash led the majors with 213 hits, batted .305, and scored 111 runs. He also led the league in plate appearances and at-bats that year.

Cash made the All-Star team in 1974, 1975, and 1976 with the Phillies. He even got MVP votes in those three seasons, finishing 14th in 1974.

His partnership with shortstop Larry Bowa worked really well. In 1975, both hit over .300, the first time since 1949 a National League second base and shortstop combo pulled that off.

Cash’s leadership helped Philadelphia reach the playoffs in 1976 for the first time since 1950. The Phillies won 101 games and took the NL East title.

Montreal Expos and Free Agency

After the 1976 season, Cash became a free agent and signed a five-year deal with the Montreal Expos. He felt underappreciated in Philly despite his success.

“If I could help Philadelphia, I can help Montreal,” Cash said about the move. “I didn’t necessarily look for a contender, I looked for someone I could help.”

In his first season in Montreal, Cash hit .289 with 91 runs and 21 steals in 1977. That made it his third straight year scoring at least 90 runs.

Cash made a big lifestyle change during his Montreal years and became a vegetarian. He believed it helped his performance.

“I could talk all day about what it has done for me,” Cash said in 1978. “I feel stronger. I know I am quicker.”

But his 1978 season didn’t go as well. Even though he played 159 games, his average dropped to .252, the first time he hit below .270.

Manager Dick Williams benched Cash in favor of Rodney Scott during the 1979 season, and that led to his exit from Montreal.

San Diego Padres and Final Season

Cash joined the San Diego Padres for his last MLB season in 1980. At 32, he was clearly nearing the end of his playing days.

He played his final game on October 5, 1980, against the San Francisco Giants. Cash went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in that last appearance.

The 1980 season ended Cash’s 12-year MLB career. He’d built a reputation as one of the most durable and consistent second basemen of the 1970s.

After retiring as a player, Cash stayed in the game as a coach. He later worked as first base coach for the Baltimore Orioles, keeping his baseball connection alive.

He finished with more than 1,500 hits and three All-Star appearances, which pretty much cemented his place as a respected player of his generation.

Statistical Achievements and Playing Style

Dave Cash posted a .283 career batting average over 12 seasons, racking up 1,571 hits and 426 RBIs. He excelled as a leadoff hitter and contact specialist, collecting over 200 hits in both 1974 and 1975. He also showed solid base-running skills with 120 career stolen bases.

Batting Average, Hits, and On-Base Skills

Cash kept a steady .283 average from 1969 to 1980. His best seasons came with Philadelphia, where he hit .300 or better in both 1974 and 1975.

He piled up 1,571 hits in 1,422 games. His hit totals peaked during his Phillies years when he played every day.

Cash posted a .334 on-base percentage, showing solid plate discipline. He drew 424 walks and only struck out 309 times, which says a lot about his contact skills.

He hit 243 doubles, finding the gaps regularly. Cash also racked up 56 triples, showing off his speed.

Role as a Leadoff Hitter

Cash thrived in the leadoff spot, especially with the Phillies. His mix of contact hitting and speed made him perfect for setting the table.

He scored 732 runs in his career, reflecting his knack for getting on base and coming around to score. That’s pretty impressive considering he only hit 21 home runs.

Cash focused on making contact and working counts. He rarely struck out, keeping his K rate well below the league average for his time.

His .358 slugging percentage shows he wasn’t about power. Instead, he relied on singles, doubles, and smart baserunning to help his team.

Stolen Bases and Base Running

Cash stole 120 bases over his career, averaging about 10 per season. His speed worked perfectly with his contact-hitting style.

He was most aggressive on the basepaths during his prime. Cash often turned singles into doubles and put pressure on defenses.

His base-running skills went beyond just stealing bases. Cash had a knack for taking extra bases and advancing on wild pitches or passed balls.

That combo of on-base skills and speed made him a real asset in the leadoff spot. Cash could manufacture runs without needing to hit for power.

WAR and Defensive Impact

Cash played solid defense at second base his whole career. He finished with a .983 fielding percentage, which was respectable for his era.

He provided steady glovework and turned double plays efficiently. Cash’s defensive contributions were consistent rather than flashy.

While I couldn’t find specific WAR numbers, his value came from a mix of offense and defense. He was a steady, everyday player who helped in a lot of ways.

Cash’s reliable defense helped him keep starting jobs on several teams. His steadiness at second base matched his contributions as a leadoff hitter.

Postseason Highlights and Historic Games

Dave Cash made his mark in October baseball as a key contributor to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1971 World Series championship. He also appeared in multiple National League Championship Series during his career.

His All-Star recognition came during his standout Phillies years from 1974-1976.

1971 World Series Victory

Cash played a big role in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1971 World Series win. The Pirates beat the Baltimore Orioles in seven games, and Cash held down second base.

During the Series, Cash anchored the Pirates’ infield defense. The team had stars like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, but Cash’s steady play at second was crucial.

Cash also took part in a historic Pirates lineup earlier that season. On September 1, 1971, the Pirates fielded what’s believed to be the first all-black starting lineup in Major League Baseball history.

In that game, Cash started at third base alongside teammates like Rennie Stennett, Gene Clines, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Dock Ellis. That moment stood as a major milestone in baseball’s integration story.

NLCS Appearances and Performance

Cash played in four National League Championship Series during his career and picked up some valuable postseason experience along the way. He made those NLCS appearances with different teams as he moved around the National League.

In 21 postseason games, Cash hit .236, collecting 21 hits and 6 RBIs. His postseason batting average dipped below his regular season mark of .283, but he still provided steady defense and a veteran presence.

He made multiple NLCS appearances with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies reached the playoffs while he was there, and his consistent play at second base definitely helped.

Cash scored 9 runs in postseason play, showing he could get on base and spark some offense. As a leadoff hitter, his ability to reach base proved especially valuable when October rolled around.

Notable All-Star Game Moments

Cash picked up three consecutive All-Star selections from 1974-1976 while playing for the Phillies. Those nods really highlighted just how good he was during his best years.

He earned All-Star recognition during his most productive seasons. In both 1974 and 1975, Cash batted over .300 and racked up more than 200 hits each year.

Those All-Star appearances marked the peak of his individual recognition. He even received MVP votes in each of those three seasons, which says a lot about his impact on the Phillies’ success.

His steady play and leadership at second base helped establish him as one of the top players at his position during the mid-70s. Those All-Star selections really validated his rise from role player to everyday star.

Retirement and Coaching Career

Dave Cash finished his playing days after the 1980 season with the San Diego Padres, closing out a 12-year MLB career. He moved into coaching and instruction roles pretty quickly, starting in minor league development before landing major league coaching jobs.

Transition Out of MLB as a Player

Cash’s last season in 1980 wasn’t easy, as he struggled to a .227 average for the Padres, who finished in last place. Manager Dick Williams had already started cutting his playing time in 1979, benching him in favor of Rodney Scott with the Expos.

By then, it was pretty clear his days as a regular were numbered. The Expos traded him to San Diego in November 1979 for Bill Almon and Dan Briggs, and the Padres mostly used him as a part-timer and pinch hitter.

Even with those disappointing numbers, Cash adjusted well to his new role. He actually hit .333 as a pinch hitter, going 10-for-30 in those situations. That shift from everyday player to bench contributor helped him get ready for retirement.

Cash decided to retire without much hesitation. At 32, he knew his playing days were over and started looking ahead to the next chapter in baseball.

Minor League Coaching and Management

After retiring, Cash immediately joined the Phillies organization as their minor league fielding coach. He got to share his defensive know-how with young players throughout the Phillies’ farm system.

That job made perfect sense for Cash, who had built a reputation for solid defense during his career. His experience as a steady second baseman helped him teach proper fielding techniques and positioning.

Cash didn’t just stick with the Phillies. In 2007, he took on a management role with the Utica Brewmasters in the New York State League. The team played in his hometown of Utica, New York, which made the job even more meaningful for him.

The New York State League started up in 2007, giving Cash a chance to help build something new while staying close to home. His background as both a player and coach made him a great fit for the managerial role.

Return to MLB as a Coach

Cash eventually made his way back to Major League Baseball as a coach with the Baltimore Orioles. He served as the team’s first base coach, bringing decades of baseball experience to the job.

That first base coaching gig let Cash use his knowledge of base running and game situations. His playing days gave him plenty to share with players about smart base running and reading the game.

Working as a major league coach marked a successful return to the big leagues. Cash’s move from player to coach showed he still brought value to MLB organizations even after he hung up his spikes.

His coaching career proved that former players can make the jump to instruction roles. Cash’s ability to teach and connect with players made him a real asset to every team he worked with after his playing days.

Legacy, Honors, and Impact on Baseball

Dave Cash left his mark on baseball with his leadership qualities and steady play at second base. Those three All-Star selections and his reputation for coming through in the clutch put him among the top second basemen of the 1970s.

Leadership and Influence on Teammates

Cash made his biggest impact as a leader in the clubhouse. He actually coined the phrase “Yes We Can” when he played for the Phillies, helping end their 26-year postseason drought in 1976.

He brought his confidence and winning mentality from the championship Pirates to Philadelphia. After Cash arrived, the team jumped from last place in 1973 to third in 1974.

Cash didn’t just motivate with words. He took younger players like Mike Schmidt under his wing. Schmidt once said, “Nobody ever helped me more. He pumped me up with confidence when we met in ’74.”

His Pittsburgh teammates called him “A.C.” for “air conditioning” because he stayed so cool under pressure. That calm leadership style really mattered in big moments throughout his career.

The respect from teammates showed when Philly players publicly said they were disappointed to see him leave as a free agent. Many considered his influence on team chemistry irreplaceable.

Rankings Among Second Basemen

Cash built a reputation as one of the best second basemen of his era thanks to steady performance and durability. His lifetime .984 fielding average still stands as the National League record for second basemen.

Career Statistical Highlights:

• Three-time All-Star (1974-1976)
• Led the majors in hits (213) in 1975
• Led the NL in at-bats three years in a row (1974-1976)
• 494 consecutive games played streak

His defense was top-notch, and he was consistent at the plate too. Cash hit .300 four times and showed great discipline, walking 424 times and only striking out 309 times in his career.

In 1975, both Cash and shortstop Larry Bowa hit over .300. That hadn’t happened for a second base-shortstop combo since 1949 in the American League.

Recognition and Public Perception

People saw Cash as a smart and articulate player who really understood baseball. His reputation went beyond stats—he was respected for his character and professionalism.

He picked up MVP votes in three straight seasons (1974-1976) with the Phillies. His 14th-place finish in 1974 showed how much he mattered to the team’s success.

The media often praised Cash for his work ethic and discipline. Pittsburgh writers pointed out his unselfishness and constant drive to get better.

He played a part in the historic September 1, 1971 all-Black lineup for the Pirates. Cash started at third base and helped make that a milestone moment in baseball history.

Even though he never won major individual awards, Cash built a reputation as a complete player and leader. The baseball community respected him for both his skills and his leadership.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Dave Cash has kept a pretty quiet life in Florida since his baseball days, focusing on family and staying involved locally. While nobody knows the exact numbers, his 12-year MLB career and later coaching jobs probably set him up for a comfortable retirement.

Life After Baseball

Cash settled in the Tampa Bay area with his wife Pamela after he left professional baseball in 1980. The two built a stable life in Florida, and Cash has enjoyed retirement away from the spotlight.

He stays active by helping out with his grandson’s baseball activities. Cash volunteers with his grandson’s school team, passing on his decades of experience to young players. That keeps him connected to the sport he loves.

These days, the former All-Star mostly avoids the public eye. He prefers spending time with family and enjoying personal interests rather than chasing high-profile baseball jobs or media attention.

Community Involvement and Media

Cash keeps his community efforts focused on youth baseball. He works with local school teams and stays committed to teaching young players the basics and the right attitude.

Unlike a lot of ex-players, Cash hasn’t gone after media gigs or book deals. He seems to prefer helping out directly on the field rather than making headlines or doing interviews.

His involvement stays personal and hands-on. Cash’s approach really shows his preference for making a real impact over seeking publicity.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Nobody really knows Cash’s exact net worth. He keeps his financial life pretty private, which isn’t all that surprising, honestly.

During his 12-year MLB career from 1969 to 1980, he earned most of his money from contracts with four teams. Those years were a different time—player salaries just weren’t what they are now.

Cash played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Montreal Expos, and San Diego Padres. That’s a solid lineup of teams, right?

After he retired, he probably added to his income by coaching here and there. Still, since he hasn’t shared any details, we can only guess what his finances look like, based on what players typically made back then.

Most guys from Cash’s era had to watch their money carefully. The huge contracts you see today? They just didn’t exist.

He seems to enjoy a comfortable retirement in Florida, which hints that he managed his finances pretty well, both during and after his playing days.